[comit1]

Hi Everyone,

I'm sure you will all think this is too early to ask... but I submitted all my paperwork for my agency in 1month-the dossier, homestudy, pictures, etc... I worked so fast to get it done.

Everything was sent in October. I know its only been a month but do you think I should be receiving a referral by December??? I requested a boy and also agreed to fly in country. I was told by my agency that with that type of request, it will be super fast! But nothing yet!! Should I call??

Sara

[CarolinaWife]

Do you know when your paperwork was translated and taken to Russia? Do you know what region(s) it was taken to? Both will have a huge impact on your wait - but your agency should be able to give you all that information!

[amy126]

Hi Sara,

Every adoption is different, and to be honest with you, you sound a lot like I did just a few short months ago. But what I have learned through this process, is that you no longer have control over anything that happens with the adoption process after you hand over the documents, you are at their mercy and you just have to roll with the punches. I am such a control person and I like to have all of my ducks lined up in a row with nothing out of place but with this process, once I was done with paper work I was at the mercy of the Russian officials. So I have just kept busy with other things while we wait. I know easier said then done right, but, sadly, this is all you can do.

I wish you the best and hope and pray that you do get your call soon.

Hugs,
Amy

[comit1]

my agency said I will not know the region until the acceptance of a referral. That is their policy. My documents were received in Russia Oct.12, 2008. So when I called to ask what region it was in, they said they dont even know until they receive the referral. And as for me, I will know when I say YES to the referral what region my child will be from. I just dont think thats fair!!

Sara

[comit1]

Amy, how long did it take for you referral once your dossier was sent in??

thanks much

Sara

[beckyww]

Deep. Breaths.

Really.

:-)

Becky
The Woodworth Family in Beautiful San Antonio TX

[MichiAmy]

Hey Sara,


I was in your shoes just a couple months ago - and was very impatient. I'll second what someone else said -- the first thing I realized is that everything is now on someone else's timeline!

The next step you should get from your agency is confirmation that dossier is registered. Not just received. It has to be translated, etc. And occasionally, although I know you don't want to hear this now, they ask for some additional/updated documents. From there you're officially on the waiting list!

Amy

[votemom]

i would proably wait until the end of the month to call. all the docs have to be translated and submitted to the MOE. no telling how quickly or slowly that will happen.

i'm excited for your little boy! just think.... he doesn't know it, but his entire life and future are about to change. keep us posted.

[JustBarbara]

Sara - I'd take a deep breath, really. No agency should be telling a client any IA would be 'super fast' - now if they told you because you will accept a boy vs. requesting a girl and are willing to fly in country that it would/could be an expedited process then fair enough. As another poster said, your dossier needs to be translated and there are probably other PAPs waiting for the same thing to be done. Seriously, try as best you can NOT to set up deadlines/timelines in this process - I used to double every timeline my agency told me and that really saved a lot on expended energy. Once you get your referral your outlook will change dramatically.

[MissDaisyofTexas]

Sara--I'm kind of in the same situation that you are. We finished our dossier in mid-August, but due to some delays with our homestudy forms and the time it took to translate, our dossier didn't get registered until the end of September. We've been waiting 6 weeks, and in our heads we thought it would be earlier because we know people who got referrals in only 2-4 weeks for boys. I just have to keep reminding myself that 6 weeks isn't that long in the big scheme of things.

Ugh.

[ddahl]

Squeeky wheel gets the grease! I would call and ask any time you want to. Agencies expect us to call. If its on you r mind to call then do call because it will make you feel better. In the mean time you can start to make a bunch of to do lists to keep you busy. Plan a few nights to go to bed early with a good book also. Once your little boy is home, I can guarantee you that you will not have a moments peace...... ( not that any of us really want that)... but you will be sleeping with one eye open for the rest of your mommy-hood. Cngrats on expecting your referral! Its a very exciting time now! Sending prayers that your phone will ring! SOON!!!!!

[amy126]

Sad to say this but it took us about 12 weeks to get our referral, only because our agency told us something like during the summer it slowed down. I didn't see it slowing down for anyone else though Last time we posted for the phone to ring, ring, ring, that evening our phone did ring so we will just do that again for you!!! ring ring ring phone and put Sara's anxiety to rest!!!

[momm2be]

Seeing it probably took at least 2 weeks to translate it and then some time to get it over there, it's really not that long.

What did the quote you? Most don't get referrals immediately unless the child was turned down by another family so they would have a reason to know about him/her.

It can't hurt to call your agency- see where you are at. Make sure the paperwork is in transit to the region.

[verukasalt]

I would say to give it more time. We submitted all of our paperwork around the same time you did last year. We received our referral on 11/29 which I thought was pretty quick. I would give it until the end of the month. I know it's hard to wait but I tried to put it aside and when I did get the call I was thrilled! I would not suggest placing calls because I'm of the mindset you will get a call as soon as they have your referral. Your agency is motivated to get you placed with a child ASAP as this is how they make their money. They won't delay in notifying you. If everyone calls it may take away from them getting their actual work done.

Be patient and know your son is awaiting your arrival

I thought I'd add my BLOG so you can see the timing of our experience:
https://thepeterson5.blogspot.com

[Jessi_76]

Hi Sara,

I'm of the opinion that the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Seems like we're about 50/50 here, but I say ASK!!! I was CONSTANTLY on top of our agency. When you are always asking, you are always top on their mind. JMO.

Also, it definitely depends on agencies...I've heard of some families who wait many months even for a boy referral, and some who wait just a couple of weeks, like PPs have said. I know my agency is doing boy referrals in just a few weeks, and others are also. If you agency said it will be really quick, then I'm SURE that they are one of the ones who really do make it happen! It will be coming soon! The waiting is SO tough. I know that, as we all do, firsthand.

Best of luck to you, and many blessings! The son who was always meant to be yours is waiting and he just hasn't found your agency yet which is why the wait is a tad longer than you expected. God will bring you all together in His time.

xoxoxoxo